Wednesday Music News

After seven years together, Vivian Girls are calling it quits. They wrote on their Facebook page, “It’s been a long and crazy journey in the seven years since, and we feel as though the time has finally come to let our band rest in peace. It’s been an experience that we’ll look back on and cherish and we’d like to thank you for sharing it with us.” Katy Goodman currently fronts La Sera, Cassie Ramone plays in the Babies, and drummer Ali Koehler recently formed the band Upset with ex-Hole drummer Patty Schemel. [Pitchfork]

Thurston Moore is the latest artist to contribute to the “solo series” of limited edition 7″ singles released by UK label Blank Editions. The press release states the A-side, which you can stream below, “pays homage to N16 London libertarian and communitarian activists,” while the B-side is “a celebration shout to punk rock secret society love.” The single ships in February. [Stereogum]

There’s certainly no lack of Bob Dylan cover songs, but what about covers from his lowest period of his commercial success? That’s exactly what ATO Records focused on for their upcoming compilation Bob Dylan In The 80s: Volume One, which comes out March 25th. The track list boasts contributions from Glen Hansard, Reggie Watts, Elvis Perkins, Lucius, Langhorne Slim, Craig Finn Of The Hold Steady, Deer Tick, and as you can download below, Built to Spill. [Consequence of Sound]

Speaking of covers, NME has shared this video of Godmother of Punk Patti Smith doing an unlikely rendition of Rihanna’s pop hit “Stay.” Smith performed the track at New York’s Webster Hall on her 67th birthday. [NME]

And finally, in sadder news, grindcore fan Biquette passed away last month. “Biquette” is the French word for “goat,” which is actually what she was. The farm where she lived in Mauriac, France also hosted DIY shows, and she would reportedly make her way to the front of crowds to watch bands play. Her favorite band was apparently Malaysian grindcore band Wormrot. Rest in peace, Biquette — we hope you are now moshing in heaven. [Metal Insider]